| Before we discuss what your job application letter | | | | description does not include a person as a contact, |
| must do in order for the employer to take notice and | | | | take a cue from the text and address the letter to |
| review your resume, you must first understand the | | | | the team listed as the contact. Using generic lines, |
| importance of having an application letter and what | | | | such as "To whom it may concern," is not acceptable |
| will make it successful. | | | | on a application letter. |
| The number 1 most commonly made mistake in CV | | | | 2. Know what the goal of your application letter is |
| or resume submissions is not including a copy of your | | | | and express it clearly, and concisely. Sell yourself in |
| application letter. If you are emailing your resume, the | | | | the best possible light; make sure that you sound like |
| application letter can be included in the body of the | | | | a confident professional. Concentrate on the |
| email, or attached (although employers typically are | | | | positives, and highlight those qualifications that make |
| wary of attachments in email submissions) but make | | | | you a perfect candidate for the job. Even if you feel |
| sure first that the employer does accept emailed | | | | insecure in your qualifications, or feel that you may |
| applications. If you are sending your application by | | | | be slightly under-qualified for the job, put your best |
| fax or traditional mail, make sure that your application | | | | skills forward. |
| letter comes before the resume and is therefore the | | | | 3. Customize your letter to the position you are |
| first item to be seen. | | | | applying for. It is very important that your application |
| Omitting an application letter from your job | | | | addresses why you are the best person for the job |
| submission will appear highly unprofessional to your | | | | you are seeking. This includes indicating the job title in |
| potential employer. However, having a well-written, | | | | the application letter. |
| customized application letter allows the employer to | | | | 4. Do NOT make generic statements, or statements |
| get an immediate insight into who you are, the way | | | | indicating that you might be interested in any open |
| you communicate and how you present yourself as a | | | | position with the company, as these make you |
| candidate for the job. | | | | appear unprofessional and unprepared. |
| So when sending your employment application in to | | | | 5. Answer these two questions: why do you want |
| the prospective employer, your CV or resume should | | | | this particular job, and what can you do for the |
| always be accompanied by a letter of application. | | | | company? These two questions must be addressed |
| These two items then form a complete submission | | | | in the application letter in order to let your employer |
| package. | | | | know that you are serious about your interest, that |
| Your application letter will help you to: | | | | you have considered the opportunity and how it fits |
| - Sell your benefits by emphasizing key features of | | | | with your professional goals, and what you are willing |
| your CV. | | | | to bring to the table in order to benefit the |
| - Add additional information that is not in the CV, in | | | | organization you want to work for. |
| particular relevant personal qualities that you identified | | | | 6. Proofread your letter, or better still, get someone |
| from the job advert. | | | | else to read it over carefully. They are more likely to |
| - Demonstrate to the employer that you know how | | | | spot errors than you are. Errors and misspellings give |
| to write a letter; many employers value this as a | | | | a very poor impression to the potential employer. |
| test of your ability to communicate in writing. | | | | 7. Close the application letter by indicating to your |
| Application Letter Writing Tips | | | | potential employer when you intend to follow up |
| Here are some great tips on composing a winning | | | | your application. Do not end the letter by asking the |
| application letter to accompany your CV or resume: | | | | employer to call you at their convenience. Let the |
| 1. Address the letter to the appropriate person by | | | | employer know that you want to follow up, when |
| name. The biggest mistake professionals make is not | | | | and how you will do so. This confirms your interest in |
| taking the time to address their application letter to | | | | the position, and your professional etiquette. Note, if |
| the appropriate person, such as the recruiter or the | | | | you say you intend to follow up, then you MUST |
| hiring manager. Take the time to address your | | | | follow up when and how you indicated in your |
| application letter to the appropriate person; if the job | | | | application letter. |